In the Country of Burundi, a place torn by civil strife, poverty and warring factions, there is great need for Preachers to share the Gospel. The United Methodist Church has recently ordained 195 preachers who are waiting to be trained, equipped and sent to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. SO, I am headed to Burundi to teach a Preaching Class at an Intensive Course of Study School sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to share in this sacred task. The opportunity presented itself literally at the last minute, because of a cancellation of a faculty member for the Preaching Class. I am preparing to go where I have never been, to do what I am ill equipped to do. Yet, I have accepted the invitation to teach and to share with the 195 newly ordained Pastors in Burundi who are eager to learn and be sent into their country to preach the Gospel and Share the good news of God’s Amazing Love. I am trusting God to lead, equip, enable and provide for the task at hand.
So, I wrote this devotional for myself to remind me of God’s Promise and Abiding Presence. And I share with you as my reflection for the November Herald.
1. God is with Us
We’re not alone when we feel insufficient for whatever God has called us to do. The Bible gives us numerous examples of folks who doubted their capabilities. At the beginning of Exodus, Moses is called to a daunting task. From a burning bush God hands him the responsibility of delivering the Israelites from Egypt—more than 2 million of them.
But Moses doesn’t respond with a lot of enthusiasm. Instead, he questions God’s call on his life: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:11)? God patiently responds that he will be with Moses, giving him the power and grace to deliver the people. When Moses doubts his ability as a public speaker (Exodus 4:10), God sends Aaron to speak on his behalf. He even allows Moses the ability to perform miracles to conquer the Israelites’ unbelief—a staff that becomes a serpent, a cloak that heals a leprous hand. Moses’s successor, Joshua, also despaired over his ability to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Esther feared approaching the king, knowing it was a risk to her life. But through her obedience, God saved the entire nation.
2. God Will Equip Us
Just as God equipped Moses to lead the Israelites with Aaron and his staff, just as God kept his promise to give Joshua victory over the Canaanites, just as God gave Esther the courage to go before the king, he will also equip us for the tasks he gives us. As Paul puts it, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). God doesn’t call us to something only to leave us to fend for ourselves. He is with us, he provides for us, and he enables us to finish the assignment.
3. God Enables Us to Cast off Fear with Trust
How do you respond when God calls you to something that seems beyond your reach? When we argue or doubt or complain, we’re failing to trust the God who promises to be with us and equip us. We think we know our capabilities and capacities, but God loves to stretch us beyond what we think possible.
Maybe you’re given a new assignment at work that seems overwhelming. Or maybe you’re asked to lead a Bible study when you feel you’re ill-equipped. Whatever the calling may be, God wants us to remember the same thing he told Moses: He will be with us. He will equip us. As he famously commanded Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
If God has clearly called us to the task, he will see that we carry it through. He will give us the grace and the tools needed to accomplish the assignment. Maybe not perfectly—in fact, certainly not—but all he asks is our service, leaving the outcome to him.
To God be the Glory in ALL that we do.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support as I make this journey.
Shalom,
Robert ><>